Two Years + 1 Month

I can't believe how big my baby is getting. I swear I look at him every day and he seems bigger and more grown up. It makes me sad. 

Here is what he's been up to this past month:

* He's got this funny scowl that comes on his face when we say or do something that he doesn't like. It's like he's giving you the stink eye. It's easy to make him laugh though and that scowl quickly turns into a huge smile. * Devin and I just got called into nursery so we are Zander's new teachers. I'm sure he's thrilled to have us in there with him. Me, not so thrilled. * He's mastered counting to 10. * Loves brushing his teeth and this time it's not just to suck the toothpaste off of it. * We've been practicing singing primary songs together.  He likes to sing and make the hand movements to Popcorn Popping. * He got to go on a roadtrip to California with his Aunty Kylie, Uncle Stevan, and cousins. * He's so curious about what everything is. I constantly hear "What's That?" all day. * Watches Dora, Sponge Bob (I love hearing him sing the theme song to this. He calls it's Bonge Bob), Phinneas and Ferb, Mickey Mouse ClubHouse, and of course Yo Gabba (He tries reenact the beginning sequence with DJ Lance). * Bites his lower lip when he's concentrating on something. * 

 It's officially summer which means 115 degree days in Arizona. It's way too hot to do anything outside except for going to the pool. I'm so glad we have an awesome pool in our neighborhood to enjoy.

Movie Night

We went on a family date night to see the new Disney movie Brave. The movie was so cute! It's fun that Zander is getting to an age where he can watch an entire movie - with the help of popcorn and a soda of course.

Swimming Lessons

Zander started swimming lessons this past week with my friend from work, Melanie. She used to give swim lessons at the YMCA and offered to give lessons to Zander for free. While the first two lessons were filled with a few tears, he is slowly learning to monkey walk along the walls of the pool, kick his legs, float on his back, and blow bubbles in the water. I'm sure it will get easier each week and he'll get the basics down in no time.

2 Year Check Up

Zander had his 2 year check up with our favorite Dr. Jones. He is in the 11th percentile for height at 33.75 inches and the 25th percentile for weight at 24 lbs. When we looked at his growth over the last two years, he made a huge jump over these last 6 months. As for his walking, Dr. Jones was a bit concerned. It isn't abnormal for kids to walk this way, but they should start correcting themselves around this age. He referred us to an orthopedic surgeon at Phoenix Children's Hospital for further evaluation. Our appointment is scheduled for July 16 so I'll have to wait in anticipation until then.

 

Since our trip to Utah was short and required a lot of travel time, we decided to leave Zander with the Powells and make it a trip with just the two of us. It's been a long time since the two of us had a few days alone so it was nice to spend some time together. I had forgotten how much fun road trips are with my hubby. While away, we were also able to spend some time with our good friends, the Clawsons, and favorite cousins, Jarron and Olivia. We stayed with Jarron and Olivia in Lehi and made it a dinner and movie double date night. They took us to Sammy's for burgers and shakes and watched Snow White and the Huntsman. We spent Sunday with the Clawsons riding the Alpine Slides in Park City, exploring Salt Lake City, and visiting our good friends the Merinos.

Until We Meet Again

While we were in Arkansas, we were updated with some devastating news about our good friend Mario. He was sent home from the hospital on hospice care with weeks left to live. Immediately after we heard, we knew we had to take a trip to see him, Kassidy, and Gabe. While we were in Utah, there was a big fundraiser in the park to help raise funds for the family. Mario was able to attend to visit with friends and family. It was the first time in 6 months that Devin and I had seen him and we were overcome with emotion.  It just didn't seem fair that this would happen to someone his age with a young family. I'm so glad that we were able to see him that weekend as we received word on June 9 that Mario lost his battle with cancer. Through everything, he had a smile on his face and a strong testimony in the gospel of Jesus Christ. I am so thankful for the knowledge that I have about eternal families and Heavenly Father's plan for us. It is comforting to know that Mario is no longer in pain and that he will be reunited with his family some day. We will definitely miss our friend!

October 2010

Before the Merino's moved in August 2011

During our visit in November 2011